Wikipedia talk:Meetup/Minnesota

2010

Regular meetup

• If we are to have a meetup in 2010, we should start discussion of it as weekends are filling up. --BenFranske (talk) 16:25, 19 September 2010 (UTC)
• Due to a lack of availability and/or interest I suggest we might want to postpone until there are more people. --BenFranske (talk) 04:58, 11 October 2010 (UTC)

A few people have commented now. I propose we issue the following invitation: noon Sunday, 31 October 2010, Midtown Exchange Global Market, 820 East Lake Street, Minneapolis. (Halloween costumes optional.) Jonathunder (talk) 17:10, 14 October 2010 (UTC)

Date

I'm planning to be in the Twin Cities the weekend of Oct 30/31. If either of those days work for others, it would give us about a month to plan the time and place. Jonathunder (talk) 22:56, 27 September 2010 (UTC)

That works for me. I'm available either day but on Sunday I need to be home by 4:00. Right now I don't have anything on the schedule for Saturday. --BenFranske (talk) 19:24, 1 October 2010 (UTC)

I plan to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show at midnight on Saturday; free all day before that, as well as Sunday afternoon. Jonathunder (talk) 21:18, 1 October 2010 (UTC)

I am no longer available on Saturday the 30th. --BenFranske (talk) 04:58, 11 October 2010 (UTC)

How about midday Sunday, Oct. 31?

That would work for me though I will need to leave by 3:30 --BenFranske (talk) 01:41, 13 October 2010 (UTC)

Location

How about the Midtown Global Market there at 820 East Lake Street? It sort of is eclectic yet cohesive, just like Wikipedia. CJLippert (talk) 22:41, 12 October 2010 (UTC)

Is that in the old Sears Building? Jonathunder (talk) 23:16, 12 October 2010 (UTC)

Yeah. CJLippert (talk) 23:24, 12 October 2010 (UTC)

Then it has plently of good food options, space to socialize without needing a reservation, and may have free parking. (We should check on that.) It would be fairly convenient to public transportation, I think, as there are regular buses on Lake Street. It's also an interesting building with an article about it. Jonathunder (talk) 23:31, 12 October 2010 (UTC)

Their website says: "FREE PARKING with validation for up to 3 hours for Global Market customers at the Midtown Exchange Parking Ramp on 10th Ave S just north of Lake St. Please bring in your parking ticket and have it validated with any purchase (No minimum amount required)." It continues with: "A meter parking lot is also available on Elliot Avenue. Please note that customers parking at this location cannot get their tickets validated." CJLippert (talk) 23:42, 12 October 2010 (UTC)

The parking ramp is actually across the street from the Sears building; north of Lake Street and east of the Sears building. Finding your way around inside the Midtown Global Market can be a challenge given the many vendors.--Dennis Fernkes (talk) 10:49, 13 October 2010 (UTC)

Unless it has changed since I was there about a year ago, there is an open seating area on the north side of the market where people could hopefully find a group. If a volunteer or two could greet people at the main entrance a bit before and after the start time, that might help. Jonathunder (talk) 17:10, 14 October 2010 (UTC)

The Midtown Global Market is a great location, a place my wife have enjoyed on a lunch date for my birthday a couple years ago. Public transportation access is good, as is access from the regional bike trails. Yes, the food is eclectic and nourishing, much like Wikipedia. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk) 16:13, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Can attend

• Mid-day Sunday, October 31, works for me! CJLippert (talk) 22:42, 12 October 2010 (UTC)
• Jonathunder (talk) (+ friend)
• Probably/most likely. AlexiusHoratius 00:19, 15 October 2010 (UTC)
  • Last minute - can't come; some other time, perhaps. AlexiusHoratius 14:33, 31 October 2010 (UTC)
• Probably. —innotata 14:53, 18 October 2010 (UTC)
• I expect to be at the Midtown Global Market in south Minneapolis on Sunday 31 October 2010 after the event has been going on for a while. If you go on to other activities after the lunch hour, I may have to catch up with everyone from a business meeting across town. This will be my first Wikipedia meet-up. I have met just one Wikipedian before in person whom I know to be a Wikipedian (and we didn't talk about Wikipedia at that meeting). I look forward to seeing you there, and look forward to future meet-ups attended by other Wikipedians in Minnesota and elsewhere. Now that I know that a work meeting conflicts with the entire span of hours proposed for this meetup, I will propose a second meetup soon, if that is agreeable to other wikipedians. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk) 16:17, 19 October 2010 (UTC)
• I'll be there on Sunday. --BenFranske (talk) 16:54, 27 October 2010 (UTC)
• I plan to be there, but I have been fighting off a serious lung infection, so it will depend on my health at that time. Lets see... Dinkytown talk 19:05, 30 October 2010 (UTC)
• It looks like I have tomorrow afternoon free, so I can make it. I may not be able to make it there until 12:30, though. --Elkman ^(Elkspeak) 22:47, 30 October 2010 (UTC)

Regrets

• Hope you all have a good time. -SusanLesch (talk) 04:29, 2 October 2010 (UTC)
• I took a job in the Phoenix area in May, and recently leased an apartment there. I will be returning to the Twin Cities only briefly to arrange the move of my household goods, so likely won't be able to attend. — Wdfarmer (talk) 04:20, 3 October 2010 (UTC)
• Out of state during a holy day (USC football homecoming). I'll be adding some NRHP photos from rural MN before I leave in penance! (*bows head in shame*) --Bobak (talk) 16:28, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

• As promised, I finished off the images needed for National Register of Historic Places listings in Dodge County, Steele County and topped off Olmsted County. Now I've got the bug again, but it'll have to wait until I get back... --Bobak (talk) 22:15, 22 October 2010 (UTC)

• Keeper | 76 13:52, 19 October 2010 (UTC)
• Nope, not this time.--Dennis Fernkes (talk) 15:56, 22 October 2010 (UTC)
• Sincere regrets. I still live in Fargo and it's still 240 miles to downtown Minneapolis. Maybe next year. Brain Rodeo (talk) 07:51, 23 October 2010 (UTC)
• Wish I could come, but I have a class from 1-3pm this Sunday, out in Eden Prairie.  :( Marumari (talk) 03:29, 29 October 2010 (UTC)

Post Oct. 31st Meet-Up

• Thanks to everyone who showed up at the Meet-Up. It was my first one and it was interesting seeing the faces behind handles. Looking forward to doing the next one - take care... Dinkytown talk 22:18, 31 October 2010 (UTC)

Congratulations to all of you who made it to today's meetup, which exactly coincided with a meeting of my nonprofit board of directors that was scheduled after the meetup was announced. Thanks to everyone who organized today's meetup. How may I help a next meetup happen sooner than a year from now? -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 00:02, 1 November 2010 (UTC)

Second meetup for 2010 (or early 2011)?

I see more regrets than confirmations of availability for the 31 October 2010 meetup at Metro Global Market. I would be agreeable to scheduling another meetup soon, adding to the frequency of Minnesota meetups, which have been annual for the last several years. What do the rest of you think about this? I would also be proposing a location in the Twin Cities metro area, somewhere where people could come and go as fits their schedule. (I used to schedule informal meetups for another organization on this basis, and that seemed to work reasonably well for fitting people's busy schedules.) Your suggestions about when and where to do this would be much appreciated. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk) 16:27, 27 October 2010 (UTC)

I would suggest, once after very 3 Twin Cities meetup, a non-Twin Cities site (such as Duluth, Bemidji, Brainerd, Fargo/Moorehead, Worthington) to encourage other Wikipedians to attend these events. CJLippert (talk) 17:32, 27 October 2010 (UTC)

I would make the trip to attend one of those, but would not be familiar with fun places to meet. If someone in one of those places proposes a meetup soon, that would be very kind. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk) 17:56, 27 October 2010 (UTC)

Are there any further suggestions for a place and date for a next Minnesota meetup? Have fun, all of you who attend this Sunday's meetup on the 31st. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 22:44, 29 October 2010 (UTC)

I would encourage you folks to use the WP:Geonotice tool as well for the next one, to help attract more participants.--Pharos (talk) 16:30, 1 November 2010 (UTC)

I have just submitted a Geonotice request for discussion of the next meetup. Thank you for the suggestion. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 15:00, 3 November 2010 (UTC)

I would be open to traveling to somewhere within a reasonable (i.e. 3 hours) of the Twin Cities for a meet-up. It would be fun to do some drive-by photography on the way. And I regret missing the last one (but I did get some good NRHP photos in SoCal). --Bobak (talk) 23:58, 2 November 2010 (UTC)

Does St. Cloud sound feasible for a meetup? That is closer to Fargo along I-94 than is the Metro, and would be a change of pace for the Metro people. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 01:12, 3 November 2010 (UTC)

I like St. Cloud. Maybe somewhere on the campus of St. Cloud State? CJLippert (talk) 17:33, 3 November 2010 (UTC)

I'd be up for that. --Bobak (talk) 18:48, 8 November 2010 (UTC)

Suggestions

There is interest in another meetup soon. Because of other demands on my time right now, I probably will not be able to contribute much in helping organize it, but I'll offer some general observations from my experience:

• All of the past meetups happened because one or a few people proposed and promoted the idea. Be bold, and they will come.
• You may get an attendance of about half a dozen for every hundred active editors you notify.
• The best locations are those which have available free parking and public transportation on weekends, which either don't require a reservation for a group to meet or are highly accommodating of an unpredictable size, are not overly noisy or overcrowded, and where people will feel welcome even if they order only a beverage. It's hard to find a place that meets all of those criteria.
• Have specific directions on the meetup page and a sign or something else people will recognize to find the group, especially for a large location.

Jonathunder (talk) 21:25, 3 November 2010 (UTC)

Shall I print out 3 File:Wikipedia-logo-v2-en.svg at 2000px on 11"×17" or larger for 3 regular meetup organizers/attendees so that there would be at least 1 copy of the sign available whenever there is a meetup? CJLippert (talk) 18:46, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

Can the MN Historical Society Host Wikipedia Meetup Event at the MN History Center?

I would like to find out if folks are interested in this.
The Minnesota Historical Society (where I work) is interested in hosting an event for Minnesota Wikipedians. However there is an agenda. MHS is beginning to work on an online Minnesota Encyclopedia and would like input from the Minnesota Wikipedia community on how this can work with Wikipedia. Wikipedia is the largest referrer to the History Topics and Finding Aids pages on the MNHS.org site. Wikipedia has been doing quite a bit of work with museums like the Powerhouse Museum and Brooklyn Museum to add images from their collections and the Minnesota Encyclopedia offers a chance to offer not just images but a possible place to add and cite content from. I have met with some of you at the 2009 Meetup and since then I have been trying to think of ways MHS can work more with Minnesota Wikipedians. The Minnesota Encyclopedia might be one way. Please past along your thoughts on this (the Meetup not the Minnesota Encyclopedia - for now). MHS can provide the food but alas not the booze. Myotus (talk) 20:32, 5 November 2010 (UTC)

I like this idea. Others interested? Jonathunder (talk) 21:38, 5 November 2010 (UTC)

• Yes. Kablammo (talk) 21:30, 6 November 2010 (UTC)
• Interested, at least. —innotata 21:40, 6 November 2010 (UTC)
• Yes. CJLippert (talk) 22:30, 6 November 2010 (UTC)
• Yes A worthy project for collaboration, and this would be a way to get over missing the last meetup. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 00:37, 7 November 2010 (UTC)
• Yes, we seem to include some of their biggest fans. --Bobak (talk) 18:49, 8 November 2010 (UTC)
• Yes. I'd be happy to come to an event like this. In turn, MHS could give us some hints on how to use their collections and their resources to improve the content of Minnesota articles here, and on the proposed Minnesota Encyclopedia. --Elkman ^(Elkspeak) 20:24, 8 November 2010 (UTC)

I will see what I can do to pull together other resources. I am arranging a tour of the State Historic Preservation Office and of our stacks. However, I want to make sure it isn't overly long or unfocused. Myotus (talk) 17:12, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

The library runs classes on Saturday mornings,[1] and there's a lot more information linked through its website.[2]Kablammo (talk) 21:46, 8 November 2010 (UTC)

Would Saturday November 20th sometime between 11am - 1pm work, or is that to soon? If we can get an approximate head count we can order lunches for that day. I am not sure what I can do about parking costs. That is usually pretty inflexible. Parking is $5 in the lot or you can park on Summit Hill and walk down. Erica Hartmann will be here to talk about the online Minnesota Encyclopedia project. Also, I can give a tour of the State Historic Preservation Office NRHP archives after if folks would like. Myotus (talk) 16:36, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

For me, it would be easier if after 1pm, say 1pm—3pm or 2pm—4pm. CJLippert (talk) 18:36, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

(edit conflict) Is that 11:00am to 1:00pm timing the latest possible hour on a Saturday? I have a work conflict most Saturday mid-days at that hour. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 18:39, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

That should work for me, especially if at 11 to 1. Looks interesting. —innotata 19:56, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

I think we might be looking at starting at 12:30pm starting time on Saturday. The cafe hours on Saturday are more limited from 11am-1pm. So in order to get lunch... :-) Myotus (talk) 22:46, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

The personalized tour and peek at the archives is an opportunity I'm excited about. The offer of lunch is a generous and thoughtful idea, but if the choice is between that and more people being able to participate with a later start, I'd be in favor of the time that works for the most people. And for the staff too, of course. We are dependent on how late they are willing to stay on a Saturday. Jonathunder (talk) 23:37, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

It was great to meet all of you who attended today's meetup. Thanks to the Minnesota Historical Society for the hospitality and the news about channels of collaboration in research. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 00:22, 21 November 2010 (UTC)

I think we have an agenda!

Look for this sign

Does this work for folks? and can a template like Template:Minnesota_meetup be used to notify folks?

Where: Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul
When: Saturday, November 20th
1:00-1:30pm Social/Lunch
1:30-2:30pm Minnesota Encyclopedia Presentation/Discussion (continue with lunch)
2:30-3:30pm Tours: Archives and State Historic Preservation Office|NRHP archives
Also: If you want lunch and free parking confirm here by November 17th.
To get free parking that day tell the parking attendant your Wikipedia user name, we will have you on a list.
Myotus (talk) 22:36, 10 November 2010 (UTC)

That looks good. I should be able to be there by the time the encyclopedia discussion begins. Thanks to you and to the museum staff for the hospitality. I'll defer to someone else to do the notification. P.S. If lunch can be eaten after lunch is served, I'd be glad to eat it during the "continue with lunch" part of the encyclopedia discussion. And, yes, parking validation would be helpful, as I will drive over from work. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 22:31, 10 November 2010 (UTC)

I can revise the template. (I created the original.) If anyone is willing to help spam invite people, it would be appreciated. Jonathunder (talk) 23:33, 10 November 2010 (UTC)

Is inviting people mostly a matter of identifying Minnesotans and attaching the template to their talk pages, or is there more to it than that? I could visit the same talk pages with the template that I recently visited with my question about a next meetup (which is now happening soon, thanks to Myotus's kind efforts). -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 00:01, 11 November 2010 (UTC)

That's essentially it. What I've done in the past is go through past attendees, members of the Minnesota Wikiproject, editors in the category Wikipedians in Minnesota, and others I know are in Minnesota, check whether they have edited in the last few months, and if they have, add the invitation on their talk page. Since that was done recently, we can reduce our work by inviting those whose talk pages come up in "what links here" for the template created this year. (That process has been a few hours of work for each of the past meetups.) Jonathunder (talk) 00:57, 11 November 2010 (UTC)

Here's a first draft of the invite template:

In the area? You're invited to the
May 2018 Minnesota User Group Meeting
	Date: Saturday, 20 November 2010
	Time: 1:00 - 3:30 (click here for full agenda) R.S.V.P. by Nov. 17 for free lunch + parking
	Place: Minnesota History Center 345 Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, Minnesota 44.95°N 93.1055°W / 44.95; -93.1055

If the agenda is on a separate page we can revise it as needed and the template is less crowded. Please suggest changes. Jonathunder (talk) 00:04, 11 November 2010 (UTC)

A good-looking template, and a smart idea about using "what links here" to find recently active editors. How about I do invitations for user names from numerals to M, and someone else do N to Z? -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 01:29, 11 November 2010 (UTC)

"What links here" does not sort alphabetically--it's (basically) the order in which the pages were created, from oldest to newest. If you want to follow this link and start from the top down, I will work from the bottom up. (Anyone else who wants to jump into the middle is also welcome.) Jonathunder (talk) 04:44, 11 November 2010 (UTC)

Looks great! Thank you for putting the template together and posting invitations. Myotus (talk) 14:31, 12 November 2010 (UTC)

This sounds great! I can't wait. --Bobak (talk) 23:12, 12 November 2010 (UTC)

Good to hear. I took the liberty of putting that on the R.S.V.P. page. Jonathunder (talk) 23:35, 12 November 2010 (UTC)

If anyone has some time to follow this link and start from the top of that list, putting an invite template user talk pages, it would help get the word out. I have already done most of them, working from the bottom up, but I will be traveling this weekend without much Internet access. Jonathunder (talk) 23:35, 12 November 2010 (UTC)

I covered everyone down to User talk:BenFranske. --Bobak (talk) 00:14, 13 November 2010 (UTC)

Thanks, Bobak. I'll work down from there, and try to get to where Jonathunder got by working up. (I got my notice pretty early.) Many hands make light work. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 00:21, 13 November 2010 (UTC)

I found only a few who hadn't already been invited (thanks to Jonathunder and Bobak, and perhaps other helpers) and invited them under the section heading "20 November 2010 meetup." But I didn't find many of those before I mostly found people who had already been invited under the heading "New meetup" or the like. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 03:37, 13 November 2010 (UTC)

Thanks to everyone who helped. I'm off for a while. See you at the Meetup. Jonathunder (talk) 12:21, 13 November 2010 (UTC)

2010 MHS follow up

A thousand thanks to the people of the Minnesota Historical Society for their hospitality, which made the most recent meetup a great event. I hope it bears good fruit.

A couple of housekeeping suggestions. Would anyone object if I move this and associated pages to Meetup/Minnesota? We have had almost as many meetups outside Minneapolis as in that great city, and it may be less confusing that way. Also, I suggest we archive the older talk sections (but not delete them). Jonathunder (talk) 18:19, 22 November 2010 (UTC)

Agree, but I just put in an Autoarchiving bot marker earlier today on the talk page (but not on the project page), but before it does anything, we should move these pages from /Minneapolis to /Minnesota and adjust the bot tag appropriately. CJLippert (talk) 19:11, 22 November 2010 (UTC)

Pages (and Meetup template) moved to /Minnesota and bot parameters adjusted. CJLippert (talk) 19:22, 22 November 2010 (UTC)

I'd like to ask that the MHS do its housekeeping chores. Over a year ago I wrote asking why, for example, the Ard Godfrey house is not on this list. The person who wrote back said the MHS updates the list quarterly. (Which is obviously not true.) Thanks. -SusanLesch (talk) 16:43, 28 December 2010 (UTC)

2011

Wikipedia 10th anniversary events

Hi Wiki-Minnesotans! Great to see your your growing meetup events and blossoming relationship with the MHS. I'd like to let you know about all the Wikipedia 10th anniversary worldwide events for January 2011, and maybe you'd be interested in doing something in Minneapolis then too :) — Pharos (talk) 13:47, 23 November 2010 (UTC)

• Thanks for the suggestion, Pharos, that's an interesting idea. The geonotice that you suggested earlier should go live soon, and I hope it sends people here to discuss the next Minnesota meetup. Recognizing the tenth anniversary of Wikipedia sounds like a suitable reason to have a meetup. (I was overseas when Wikipedia was founded.) — WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 17:23, 23 November 2010 (UTC)
• As I was 14 when Wikipedia was founded (!), I also would be interested in doing some celebrating. Perhaps we should start a discussion on the meetup page? Minnecologies^t,c 00:13, 10 December 2010 (UTC)
• I think it would be fun to have something, even if it ends up being small. — Bobak (talk) 20:26, 10 December 2010 (UTC)
• I agree with Bobak. Early to mid afternoon, if on Saturday, works the best for me. Would there be an appropriate place on the campus of University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus, such as maybe the Brit's Pub, where the first Minnesota Meetup was held in 2005? — CJLippert (talk) 21:16, 10 December 2010 (UTC)
• A notice for this just popped up for me (above the pledge drive), and the link here works. Nice work. Jonathunder (talk) 04:40, 11 December 2010 (UTC)
  • Hope you folks can find a venue soon, and in any case feel free to add a page for Minnesota to the http://ten.wikipedia.org/ Main Page.--Pharos (talk) 00:35, 14 December 2010 (UTC)
• Notice just popped up for me, too. Saturday afternoons are usually convenient for me, too, but since this seems to be becoming the Winter of Snowageddon I'm hesitant to commit. htom (talk) 19:20, 19 December 2010 (UTC)
• I just saw the notice above my watchlist. I'll be out of town again (MN is sadly no longer my main home), but I fully support the idea in spirit! Awickert (talk) 04:32, 22 December 2010 (UTC)

Hey everyone. Are you guys interested in getting some free 10th anniversary merchandise (t-shirts, stickers, buttons) from the Foundation for your meetup? I know it looks like it's going to be relatively small, but that's okay. If you want that (and some more publicity) you should do two things:

1. Create a page for Minneapolis on the anniversary wiki with the who/what/when of the meetup. (This doesn't have to be instead of the regular Wikipedia:Meetup notice, it's just so everyone can see what is going on for the anniversary.)
2. Email me with a shipping address and contact info. This could be a personal address, PO box, or whatever, just as long as it's reliable enough to send the merch to.

The deadline for us shipping things is early January (before the third would be best), so I wouldn't wait. Steven Walling at work 21:53, 21 December 2010 (UTC)

email sent htom (talk) 18:34, 27 December 2010 (UTC)

Page created, I hope. htom (talk) 19:20, 22 December 2010 (UTC)

Proposed Time and Place: Brit's Pub

Granted, weather may or may not be cooperative, but how about this:

Confirm attendance at the 10th anniversary event page

When—Saturday, January 15, 2011, from 1pm to 4pm

Where—Brit's Pub (site of the first meetup)

Brit's Pub & Eating Establishment
1110 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403

CJLippert (talk) 21:43, 22 December 2010 (UTC)(Strike-through and attendance confirmation notes added. CJLippert (talk) 23:22, 27 December 2010 (UTC)

That's 11th & Nicollet in downtown Minneapolis, right? Hate downtowns, but sometimes they're really handy. htom (talk) 02:37, 23 December 2010 (UTC)

If you pick this, you should put a section on the front side of the page for it pretty soon.--Pharos (talk) 17:14, 23 December 2010 (UTC)

Sorry for butting in as an out-of-towner here, but I've gone ahead and put these tentative details up on the front side.--Pharos (talk) 22:45, 25 December 2010 (UTC)

I've now listed this page up on {{Meetup}}, tho I'm not really sure if you folks wanted this page or tenwiki:Minneapolis-St.Paul to be the main page for this event.--Pharos (talk) 22:43, 27 December 2010 (UTC)

People seem to be using this page, so let's go with that. I'll try to keep the names updated at ten.wikipedia. htom (talk) 22:43, 28 December 2010 (UTC)

BTW, the geonotice still points to this talk page, rather than to the front side or the tenwiki page. You folks might want to change that.--Pharos (talk) 16:46, 4 January 2011 (UTC)

Somebody has created a page at: http://ten.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis-St.Paul.

Um. May we bring our "favourite" sockpuppet with us? Otherwise, maybe instead a human friend or two may be nice. CJLippert (talk) 21:14, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

Attending \ Declining

(I'll copy names from here over to the ten.wikipedia page, and vice-versa.) htom (talk) 22:45, 28 December 2010 (UTC)

I won't be able to make it to a 10th anniversary event, as I'll be travelling. Have a great time! —innotata 15:41, 24 December 2010 (UTC)

I can try and make it, I live near Minneapolis, RandMC (talk) 22:06, 28 December 2010 (UTC)

I might actually try to make this. It's a long drive (~six or seven hours), but I might give it a shot. Where is Brit's Pub? Ed ^{[talk] [majestic titan]} 09:20, 27 December 2010 (UTC)

Brit's Pub: website

Street address: 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Coordinates: 44.972692°N 93.275921°W / 44.972692; -93.275921

- Jonathunder (talk) 14:43, 27 December 2010 (UTC)

Coming, Jonathunder? The ed17?

Attending (listed on the other page)

BillWeir [3]

BenFranske

Bobak – Brief appearance (added by CJLippert)

CJLippert – Will be there 10min before to put up a banner-type of thing so that we can find each other easier.

Elkman

Galileo01

Jonathunder – will not be there at the start, due to other commitments, but will try to stop in

McGhiever

OtterSmith – Not sure when I'll arrive; I have a meeting in Bloomington that should end by noon. I've got the SWAG, and will be bringing it.

RandMC

SixWingedSeraph – I will be there.

WeijiBaikeBianji – I expect to be there. I look forward to seeing all of you. Ten years ago I was living overseas. I'll update the other page too.

Declining

I won't know until the 10th, probably. The 15th/16th will be my first weekend back at college, and I need to make sure I don't have anything urgent to do (work, homework) before committing. Ed ^{[talk] [majestic titan]} 05:07, 29 December 2010 (UTC)

I will probably not be able to attend. My apologies! Please give me a heads up for any future events, however. Ed ^{[talk] [majestic titan]} 21:51, 5 January 2011 (UTC)

Bobak, unfortunately, due to some last minute scheduling I can't make it, have fun today! I was really hoping to see if I could get people to help me tackle the Coney Island of the West at SHPO. --Bobak (talk) 17:40, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Psyche! Looks like I was able to make it (for at least a few minutes) :-) --Bobak (talk) 22:26, 16 January 2011 (UTC)

Tentative

I live a few blocks away & would like to join if I am around Rajohnas (talk) 16:25, 12 January 2011 (UTC)

We'd love to have you! Jonathunder (talk) 19:14, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

Lessons learned

Party's over, I had a great time; interesting discussions. Thank you all for paying your bills and leaving good tips. In no particular order:

• Many more XXL and XL shirts in the next distribution.
• Larger nametags, for both username and conversation name.
• Should have sent the camera around again,
• Find a way deal with the "I don't want to be photographed" problem.
• CJLippert did a great job with the banner.
• I'll save the buttons for the future.
• Larger table, scheme to seat sixteen.

Hope to see you all, and many more, next time. Thanks for coming! htom (talk) 02:44, 16 January 2011 (UTC)htom (talk) 18:39, 16 January 2011 (UTC)

Thanks for your large part in arranging the event. Yes, as a meeting planner many a time, I've learned that a name tag can scarcely be too big. It was great of you to bring the Sharpie along for writing on the tags we had. I've always carried one in my pocket (as yesterday) since I observed how often meetings have the tags, but nothing bold to write on them with. Indeed, the banner was great, and the conversation was very fun. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 22:04, 16 January 2011 (UTC)

Join 'Wikimedians Active in Local Regions of the United States' (WALRUS)!

We'd like to invite a representative from the group who should have some experience in organizing the local meetups, to join the Wikimedians Active in Local Regions of the United States (WALRUS) committee to help advance real-life Wikimedian activities in the US.--Pharos (talk) 22:14, 11 March 2011 (UTC)

We'd also love to invite wiki-Minnesotans to join wikimediaus-l, where we already discussing The Great American Wiknic :)--Pharos (talk) 00:40, 11 April 2011 (UTC)

Now that Wikinic planning is going so smoothly, how about Minnesota getting some representation on the WALRUS committee to help advance real-life Wikimedian activities in the US?--Pharos (talk) 15:58, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Beyond meetups, some good future outreach along these lines might be a Wikipedia:Wikipedia Takes Your City or Wikipedia:Workshop.--Pharos (talk) 20:43, 22 June 2011 (UTC)

Wiknic2011

Have a great idea for a local park to host The Great American Wiknic in Minnesota this June? Add it to the growing list here: Wikipedia:Wiknic#Cities and parks :)--Pharos (talk) 21:14, 17 April 2011 (UTC)

Proposed Time and Place: Minnehaha Park

Look for this sign

I was thinking about this and I want to float this idea:

Where: Picnic Shelter E, Wabun Picnic and Recreation Area, Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis (Coordinates: 44.914988°N 93.205551°W / 44.914988; -93.205551)

When: Saturday, June 25—12:00pm to 3:00pm

Website: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: Minnehaha Park

• Easily accessable by 50th Street / Minnehaha Park station of the Hiawatha Line or bus, walk, bike, or car... and even by plane via MSP and Hiawatha Line (from either Terminal 1 Station or Terminal 2 station to 50th Street / Minnehaha Park station).
• Food and drink options nearby (or bring your own... maybe even to share!)
• If driving, free parking available at 46th Ave. S. Lots of the Wabun Picnic and Recreation Area (parking is not free at the Minnehaha Falls Picnic and Recreation Area of the Park.

Well, folks. What do you think? Yes? No? Maybe? CJLippert (talk) 22:08, 4 May 2011 (UTC)

Probably will work for me. —innotata 22:25, 4 May 2011 (UTC)

Are there picnic shelters nearby? Is it possible to reserve one? I would note that the rain date, Sunday, is also when the largest parade in Minnesota happens, downtown. Saturday should work for me, though. Jonathunder (talk) 17:27, 6 May 2011 (UTC)

OK, yes. Thanks for reminding me of that huge regional event! Well, there are picnic shelters there. On the Minnehaha Falls Picnic and Recreation Area of the park, there is the Minnehaha Pavilion. Minneapolis requests reservations made for it. Farther east by 550 yards is the Wabun Picnic and Recreation Area of the park; there are not only free parking and picnic shelters (first-come, first-served), but also a playground and a wading pool, though Wabun, closer to the Mississippi River, may be a hike from the train station/bus route for those who are physically out-of-shape. The advantage of the Minnehaha Pavilion (other than being right there at the park entrance) is that it also houses a restaurant and is right by the Falls, but Wabun area may also be condusive to expore the park a bit more... maybe as a group activity? Also, with the picnic shelter, we really wouldn't need to have a rain date. CJLippert (talk) 18:54, 6 May 2011 (UTC)

The City of Minneapolis required reserving the site, so I just did. The area is available to us from 9am to 3pm (Park request 3pm-4pm be set aside as a transition time for clean-up, set-up, etc.), but I have other commitments until noon just across the River, but I can be there at 12:15. Though I won't be there until that time, if someone would like to get there beforehand and get the grill going, you may be hero to those who want grilled food products. CJLippert (talk) 21:11, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

I will work on a template for this and the notifications as we did for previous events. Jonathunder (talk) 22:17, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

Thanks! CJLippert (talk) 00:45, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

If this picnic becomes a repeated event, we should have one at a state park sometime. Jonathunder (talk) 01:52, 12 May 2011 (UTC)

Never attended a Wiki event before, is there any formal sign up or something else to fill out? Jim Henderson (talk) 19:38, 21 June 2011 (UTC)

No, Jim. Just stop on by. Bring something to share! CJLippert (talk) 15:58, 22 June 2011 (UTC)

Attending \ Declining

Attending

• CJLippert (talk) 17:09, 5 May 2011 (UTC)
• RandMC (talk) 14:08, 8 May 2011 (UTC)
• WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 05:26, 10 May 2011 (UTC)
• Jonathunder (talk) 12:33, 11 May 2011 (UTC)
• SixWingedSeraph (talk) 22:01, 15 May 2011 (UTC)
• innotata 15:00, 16 May 2011 (UTC)
• Elkman ^(Elkspeak) 06:00, 19 June 2011 (UTC)
• Auroraboryalice (talk) 11:58, 19 June 2011 (UTC)
• Jim Henderson (talk) 19:38, 21 June 2011 (UTC)
• Fartherred talk from 207.224.85.91 (talk) 01:24, 22 June 2011 (UTC) (I am really Fartherred even though I did not sign in. Minnehaha Park is a nice place.)
• Windminstrel-wiki (talk) 03:54, 22 June 2011 (UTC)
• BillWeir and 2 guests [4] (added by CJLippert)

Declining

• McGhiever (talk) 22:17, 9 May 2011 (UTC) (Had already made plans to be camping in... a Minnesota state park)
• Ed ^{[talk] [majestic titan]} 23:05, 19 June 2011 (UTC) (will be working that night)
• SWMNPoliSciProject (talk) 00:38, 20 June 2011 (UTC) (Thanks for the invitation; will be at a family reunion at Devil's Lake in WI)
• htom (talk) 03:15, 20 June 2011 (UTC) Sorry, family conflict.
• BenFranske (talk) 01:06, 23 June 2011 (UTC) Sorry, out of town!

Lessons learned

Great turn out. We had some light sprinkles in the park, with 9 Wikipedia editors and 7 Wikipedia users getting together, sharing cookies, brownies, cake, chips, fruit, water, etc. But there were some minor gathering hiccoughs for the "Lessons learned":

1. There seemed to be a lot of confusion by non-editors who kept on asking if one had to "register" or "sign-in" for the Great American Wicnic. New editors also didn't realise that when they put their name on the list of "Attending\Declining" that this was a form of letting the rest of the attendees know on if they're making a showing or not.
2. If grilling, designate a "Charcoal person"
3. In setting a meeting location in a park with tables, actually verify the picnic area do have shelters and not just read about shelters at the site registration.
4. The picnic site on paper and aerial maps looked great. But in reality, it was hard to get to and find because it was bit too off the beaten track. (Lot of folks walked around Minnehaha Park, lost.) We had large signs about the picnic area, but in a park setting, probably series of smaller signs with arrows saying "This way for the Meetup", directing people to the spot would have helped.
5. Have the picnic tables that are either in large enough cluster or be capable of moving into a large cluster. (As this was not possible, we all just crammed onto a central picnic table and the rest just hovered around the picnic table.)
6. Picnic turn-out was great. We think this was because unlike other Meetups, this one, like the Wiki10, had national attention on all site visitors, which encouraged even the casual users to join. So, maybe for future Meetups, it should coincide with other nation-wide/world-wide Meetup ventures.

In addition, we had brain-stormed on other places for a Meetup. Here were some suggestions for specialised Meetups:

• One of the local county's historical library (especially if collections tour could be made—as this was a valuable tool we discovered at the MNHS meetup last November)
• One of the local college/university with specialised collections that can be accessed for research (again, a variation of the above)
• One of the local cultural centres (again, a variation of the above)

However, no consensus was reached for a specific, designated meeting location for these nation-wide/world-wide Meetup ventures. CJLippert (talk) 01:39, 26 June 2011 (UTC)

Great summary of lessons learned. I too should have scoped out the fastest way to get there, in the interest of spending more time actually at the Wiknic, which was a very good occasion. I was glad to see old friends and new. I'd be very interested in helping to arrange the next meet-up. Yes, geonotices seem to be good for turnout. I'll be seeing some wikipedians, wearing Wikipedia 10th anniversary garb, next week at a national conference. Enjoy Minnesota's summer weather; I hope to see all of you again soon. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 04:18, 26 June 2011 (UTC)

I wasn't sure if anyone else would be grilling. Maybe I should have asked first. It wasn't a big deal for me, though. I didn't realize that the Wabun Picnic Area had two separate roads to access it, and that our site was actually on the lower road that went to the Minnesota Veterans Home. Again, not a big deal. Maybe the Minneapolis Park Board should put up a map of the picnic area at the shelter near the top, for the benefit of other people who are confused and looking for their picnic groups. As far as the actual gathering went, it was a good time with good conversation on a number of eclectic topics. --Elkman ^(Elkspeak) 15:39, 27 June 2011 (UTC)

Wikipedia loves libraries

Where: Central Library, 90 W. 4th St., Saint Paul [5]
When: Saturday, October 22nd
1:00-2:00pm Social
2:00-2:45pm Tour of special research collections (e.g. Saint Paul history, F. Scott Fitzgerald, World War I aviation)
3:00-3:45pm Demonstration of online research resources (e.g. databases)
4:00-5:00pm Snacks & exploration time
Parking: Metered street parking or pay ramps

Attending/Declining

Attending

• McGhiever (talk) (organizer)
• Jonathunder [+ 1] (talk) 19:50, 11 October 2011 (UTC)
• WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 14:37, 22 October 2011 (UTC)

Declining

• Sorry. Maybe next time. (BTW... Great agenda!!!) CJLippert (talk) 23:07, 17 October 2011 (UTC)
• I won't be able to make it. I'm going to be marching in the Anoka Halloween parade that evening. --Elkman ^(Elkspeak) 19:23, 19 October 2011 (UTC)
• I'm pretty sure I can come, but may be late. I can't make it. —innotata 19:54, 11 October 2011 (UTC)
• Tentatively. Didn't happen, sorry everyone. Ed ^{[talk] [majestic titan]} 21:57, 11 October 2011 (UTC)

Initial discussion

Copied from the Wikipedia loves libraries talk page to prompt discussion and perhaps planning here:

It's been a busy summer for me, but I've been thinking about how to write up our discussion at the Minnesota Wiknic. We talked about future events, and having something at a library was one idea. (Other ideas, which perhaps we can consider for next year, were museums and other cultural institutions.) We found the global notice brought many people who have never attended a meetup before, including some who don't edit much but are primarily readers. This has started me thinking about how we might use these events as outreach to interested readers and beginning editors. Perhaps experienced editors could bring laptops to the library event and be prepared to show how editing works. We could offer to get newbies started right there, and show them help and mentorship resources within Wikipedia. We could select some things we want a new editor to know, such as citing sources, and show them how to do those things. Thoughts? Jonathunder (talk) 14:22, 24 July 2011 (UTC)

Including aspects of newbie wiki-workshops sounds great, we've done a bit of this with Wikipedia:Meetup/NYC/Workshop recently.--Pharos (talk) 01:46, 4 August 2011 (UTC)

I don't know if I qualify as a new user (about 3 months of editing under my belt), but I'd be interested. I'd be especially interested in learning about acquiring public domain images for Wikipedia and Commons. It'd be nice to know what the rules and logistics are at a given library or museum. Stuff like whether one might be able to scan there, etc... Cloveapple (talk) 21:37, 6 August 2011 (UTC)

Anyone have a good idea of a local library to host Wikipedia:Wikipedia Loves Libraries in Minnesota this October? It would be great if you could get in touch with your local library ASAP so the event can be ready in time, and make an awesome successor to the Great American Wiknic :)--Pharos (talk) 19:32, 2 September 2011 (UTC)

I know we've met in Minneapolis and St Paul rather a lot, but I could almost certainly arrange something with St. Paul Public Library, either downtown or at a neighborhood branch. McGhiever (talk) 22:27, 2 September 2011 (UTC)

As long as the branch doesn't involve the University Avenue Light Rail re-alignment construction or the Snelling Avenue road constructions. CJLippert (talk) 16:31, 4 September 2011 (UTC)

I may actually be able to attend if one of you can get it set up. Will be keeping an eye on this. Ed ^{[talk] [majestic titan]} 11:17, 5 September 2011 (UTC)

Thanks, Mcghiever. I was hoping you'd be able to help. Jonathunder (talk) 13:02, 5 September 2011 (UTC)

Date proposal

Since we are already well into September (how did *that* happen?) we may need to the end of October to plan. Does Saturday, 29 Oct 2011 work? Jonathunder (talk) 12:20, 13 September 2011 (UTC)

Well, if we hold something at the Saint Paul Public Library, I need to confirm the availability of space and staff, so I don't want to promote a random date just yet. I hope to have something more definitive by Sep 19th. -McGhiever (talk) 22:00, 13 September 2011 (UTC)

OK. Again, I am so glad you are working on this. Jonathunder (talk) 16:29, 16 September 2011 (UTC)

May I propose Saturday, Oct 22, at Central Library in downtown St. Paul? We have some wiggle room as far as time of day (the building is open 9:30–5:30). Do people prefer morning or afternoon? I'm envisioning a tour of the library's resources (such as the St. Paul Collection of city history, and various databases), after which we can retreat to a meeting room for snacks, discussion, and possible editing via laptop. -McGhiever (talk) 19:17, 22 September 2011 (UTC)

Thanks! I think I can make that day. Maybe we could contact the James J. Hill Reference Library, too, as they share that great building. Jonathunder (talk) 20:02, 22 September 2011 (UTC)

As far as time of day, for those of us coming from out of town, I would suggest afternoon. Jonathunder (talk) 15:29, 23 September 2011 (UTC)

I also can only make it later in the afternoon, and remembering the discussion at the end of the last meetup, yes, will be the case for people coming from out of town. —innotata 17:16, 23 September 2011 (UTC)

Sometime in the afternoon? I think I'll be able to make that... Ed ^{[talk] [majestic titan]} 06:00, 5 October 2011 (UTC)

Forgot I never posted a definitive time. Shall we say 1:00–5:00 pm? -McGhiever (talk) 04:03, 7 October 2011 (UTC)

I'm most likely going to make it late then; when you're getting the schedule together, can you give a way for people to join late, after any tour for example? —innotata 17:47, 7 October 2011 (UTC)

The proposed time sounds good. Would my two Wikipedia-using and library-using children be able to attend? They are both preteens, but able to behave well during conversations among learned adults like all of you. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 20:19, 10 October 2011 (UTC)

Absolutely! Libraries are pretty strong advocates of all-ages learning. -McGhiever (talk) 00:15, 11 October 2011 (UTC)

Review of event

It would be great if you could add a couple of sentences to the front side of this page describing how the event went, and activity highlights etc.--Pharos (talk) 03:28, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

2012

Edit-a-thon at Hennepin County Library

Minneapolis History edit-a-thon

We invite the Minnesota Wikipedia community and local historians to edit entries in Wikipedia on Minneapolis history. Please help us increase the depth of information on Minneapolis history topics by utilizing materials in the Minneapolis Collection. Find your own Minneapolis History topics to edit or work from a list developed by Special Collections Librarians.

Where: Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
When: Saturday, February 25, 2012, 10-5 pm
10 am - 11 am Orientation to Minneapolis Collection
11 am - 5 pm Edit-a-thon
Website: Hennepin County Library, Special Collections, Map & Directions
Parking: Metered street parking or pay ramp in basement, enter on 4th Ave --HCLschlubb (talk) 22:28, 22 November 2011 (UTC)

Attending/Declining

Attending

• Almost certainly. —innotata 21:58, 7 February 2012 (UTC)
• Sounds interesting. --Elkman ^(Elkspeak) 23:24, 7 February 2012 (UTC)
• Definitely. Cloveapple (talk) 18:07, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
• It's about a two hour drive for me, but I would like to be there, and hope to be. Jonathunder (talk) 00:03, 24 February 2012 (UTC)
  • Looks like I will be able to make it. Aiming to be there by ten. Jonathunder (talk)
• Looks feasible for after work this morning. -- WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) 12:52, 25 February 2012 (UTC)

Declining

• -McGhiever (talk) (Ironically, I'll have just got back from m:GLAMcamp DC, but have a project meeting that day)
• Out of town then. Have fun! -SusanLesch (talk) 17:52, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
• Previous commitment, sorry. htom (talk) 04:14, 24 February 2012 (UTC)

Discussion

Does the library have WiFi? If it does I can edit on my iPad. Cloveapple (talk) 19:30, 1 February 2012 (UTC)

Yes there is WiFi, as somebody from Special Collections has informed me, and they encourage editors to bring tablets or laptops; there will also be six public computers. —innotata 22:48, 7 February 2012 (UTC)

Wow, missed this. We won't be able to get out word about this on the wiki, as early as for past events; should this should be rescheduled? (I'll contact HCLschlubb, and post where other Minnesota Wikipedians will notice.) Otherwise, for my part I'm interested and can make this date or almost all weekends. —innotata 18:19, 6 February 2012 (UTC)

I haven't been in touch with them myself (I'm a New Yorker), but I do know they've been publicizing the date to their own community already: Minneapolis History Wikipedia edit-a-thon. Also, you might want to consider a partial focus on women's history in Minneapolis for this, as part of the WikiWomen's History Month campaign.--Pharos (talk) 18:53, 6 February 2012 (UTC)

I've now added this to the watchlist notification WP:Geonotice for editors in Minnesota.--Pharos (talk) 15:32, 12 February 2012 (UTC)

Anyone else interested in participating? It's a pretty remarkable event, and if I were anywhere near Minnesota, I'd certainly be in :)--Pharos (talk) 21:03, 21 February 2012 (UTC)

Yes, I saw the Tumblr post after noticing this. I see you e-mailed Jonathunder, who got the word out on events in the past. I don't think we can count on regional editors being aware of the event as for past events, particularly on any of the editors who would be especially interested, such as others who attended past events, being able to come on such short notice. —innotata 18:58, 6 February 2012 (UTC)

The people at the library will be looking into women's history topics for the event. —innotata 22:48, 7 February 2012 (UTC)

Great to hear this! Please let me know also how I can help. As gender gap fellow I'm hoping that these events will not only help to improve women's history subjects on any Wikipedia, but, will also be a tool for women to participate in the events. I'd love to also work with you to promote Wikipedia:Teahouse to new users, so they can receive online support after the event. Please let me know how I can help! SarahStierch (talk) 16:34, 14 February 2012 (UTC)

Lessons learned

Thanks to everyone for coming. Thanks to everybody who helped me with images (the library asked me to be there to hold hands with anyone who needed help but I got more help than I gave) and thanks for bringing those donuts. --HCLschlubb (talk) 20:35, 26 February 2012 (UTC)

Thanks for organizing this, and thanks again to the library staff who were helpful in finding materials. I almost felt like a kid in a candy store with so much material and so little time to use it all. I found the newspaper clippings helpful, along with National Register nomination forms for historic properties in Minneapolis. I'll have to come back again sometime for more research. --Elkman ^(Elkspeak) 14:47, 27 February 2012 (UTC)

A huge thanks to the staff for the terriffic help (and for letting us skirt the rules a bit to bring donuts). I didn't know about the clippings files, but I can see how helpful they can be. If you ever need help with an image, lots of us have experience. Also, a thousand thanks from me to security guard John who let me back up to the fifth floor just after the building closed to get my camera! Jonathunder (talk) 15:10, 27 February 2012 (UTC)

I'm glad you got it back. It was great to meet and get reacquainted with you all. Here's the Star Tribune article on the event - [6]. Gobōnobo ^{+ c} 22:08, 29 February 2012 (UTC)

Here's the Daily Planet piece —innotata 18:23, 2 March 2012 (UTC)

Great American Wiknic for Minnesota in June

Where: Minnehaha Park, near the Falls
When: Saturday, July 7, 12-3 (rain date July 8)

• Minnehaha Park website
• Accessible from the Minnehaha Park light rail station, bus, walk, bike, or car
• If driving, free parking available at 46th Ave. S, and pay parking in the park
• Food and drink options nearby, including a seafood spot by the Falls (or bring your own... maybe even to share!)

Attending/Declining

Attending

• SixWingedSeraph (talk) 02:17, 7 July 2012 (UTC)
• Innotata
• Creatorlarryli Almost certain to come. I will bring my friend as well. We will come by bike.
• WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit) Is this the same location as last year, or not necessarily?
• RandMC I will wear my wikipedia shirt. —Preceding undated comment added 03:17, 16 June 2012 (UTC)
• Dark roast, please

Declining

• User:SusanLesch. Sorry to miss it. Have a good time.
• I'll be working and saving as much as possible for Wikimania. Apologies. :/ Ed ^{[talk] [majestic titan]} 08:15, 16 June 2012 (UTC)
• Hi There - Sorry to say will not be at this event. I'm part of a Sami event called the siidastallan as part of the Sami Siida of North America on that same date. Hopefully next time - take care - Dinkytown talk 16:53, 16 June 2012 (UTC)
• Jonathunder (talk) will be en route to Wikimania 2012.
• Sorry, out of town. If around, I would have definitely attended. CJLippert (talk) 15:06, 26 June 2012 (UTC)

Discussion

Hi Wiki-Minnesotans! I would like to invite you to again join the Great American Wiknic this June :) Also, please put any preliminary details at Wikipedia:Wiknic#2012 Wiknic.--Pharos (talk) 17:41, 10 May 2012 (UTC)

Hey Wiki-Minnesotans, let's get something planned for the wiki-picnic!--Pharos (talk) 17:12, 21 May 2012 (UTC)

It's rather late now; I don't think I can help, since I assume we need park reservations—if we want to be sure of a table and a shelter, it costs $70 in St. Paul[7] and >$100 in Minneapolis[8] (last time we got a spot without a shelter at Wabun and it rained) and the suburbs I checked. Any suggestions, anyone able to organise? Should we set a date, say July 8, and post it? —innotata 20:09, 6 June 2012 (UTC)

I don't think you really need a reservation and a shelter; you can just set it for a Saturday, and move it to Sunday in case of rain contingency.--Pharos (talk) 01:13, 9 June 2012 (UTC)

Yes, that's fine with me, though last year it was pretty clear that's what the other editors expected. There are other reasons I'm not so sure about the idea, but anyway, since nobody else's stepped up: how about Minnehaha Park again (I can't think of a better spot), a spot near the Falls found and marked out on the day (so in regards to previous expectations, maybe a table and grill), 1–4, Jul 7, and Jul 8 as a rain date? I'll post the relevant info, and to the main Wiknic page, tomorrow. —innotata 02:14, 9 June 2012 (UTC)

One vote up for Minnehaha Park.--Creatorlarryli (talk) 05:03, 9 June 2012 (UTC)

OK, then, I've posted above and to the main Wiknic page. I assume this will work out well enough and we won't need to change plans; I'll post to users Monday, though. —innotata 00:41, 10 June 2012 (UTC)

If you're interested in geology or collecting fossils from the Ordovician Period, be sure to read the Minnehaha Falls article! Gandydancer (talk) 20:28, 21 June 2012 (UTC)

Wha' happened? I had it on my calendar for July 8 (although I hadn't signed up because I had to wait to see if my schedule would be clear on that day). I was looking forward to meeting some folk before going to the Wikipedia conference in DC in July. Oh well..Is anyone from here going to the DC event, or been to one previously? It would be nice to talk to someone about it before I go. I'm brand new to all of this -- haven't started doing any editing yet, but have been a fan and user for a long time. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Dark roast, please (talk • contribs) 20:11, 29 June 2012 (UTC)

You posted to the 2011 event discussion, I've moved your comment to the 2012 section—it's still happening. —innotata 21:00, 29 June 2012 (UTC)

Well, only three of us showed up—myself, SixWingedSeraph, and RandMC. We mostly discussed our experiences editing Wikipedia, and topics we work on. —innotata 21:29, 7 July 2012 (UTC)

Well, somehow I put the picnic on my calendar for 12-3, not 1-4, which explains why I couldn't see anyone looking like Wikipedians, nor a Wiknic sign, even though I searched the area. I left around 12:40. See you another time. Dark roast, please (talk) 23:05, 7 July 2012 (UTC)

Sorry about that. It was 12–3, as it says above. I was at a table by Sea Salt from 12:05 with a Wikipedia sign, and RandMC (in a Wikipedia shirt) and Charles found me at about 12:40. —innotata 00:28, 8 July 2012 (UTC)

Future Wikimedians Active in Local Regions of the United States (WALRUS) activities!

We'd like to invite further local participation in the Wikimedians Active in Local Regions of the United States (WALRUS) committee, our monthly IRC meetings, and the associated wikimediaus-l mailing list, to help advance real-life Wikimedian activities in the US, including Wiki Loves Monuments photography in September and Wikipedia Loves Libraries meetups in October/November.--Pharos (talk) 17:12, 22 June 2012 (UTC)

Wikipedia Takes Twin Cities photo event in September

I'd like to encourage you good Wiki-Minnesotans to start a Minneapolis / St Paul page with Wikipedia:Wikipedia Takes America#Event page wizard. Or you can do the same at the regular Minnesota meetup page if you like.--Pharos (talk) 01:29, 15 August 2012 (UTC)

Wiki loves libraries 2012

As part of the national Wiki Loves Libraries initiative, there will be an event at Special Collections at Minneapolis Central Library. The event will include an editathon, to increase the depth of information on Minneapolis history topics by utilizing materials in the Minneapolis Collection. Wikipedians and other members of the public are welcome to come in and create Wikipedia entries on subjects/people which we have archival/manuscript collections on or to work on Minneapolis history topics/people they are personally interested in. There will be a short instruction session in the beginning of the day and a tour of Special Collections in the morning and afternoon.

There is free wifi (so participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops/devices) as well as several public computers.

Where: Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Special Collections, 4th floor
When: Saturday, November 3rd, 10 am to 4:30 pm
Website: Hennepin County Library, Special Collections, Map & Directions
Parking: Metered street parking or pay ramp in basement, enter on 4th Ave

Attending/Declining

Please sign up. Not required, but appreciated.

Attending

• Innotata
• McGhiever
• Gobonobo
• Mdougla —Preceding undated comment added 17:58, 2 November 2012 (UTC)
• I'll be there. Elkman
• WeijiBaikeBianji (talk, how I edit)

Declining

• User:SusanLesch has a previous engagement that day. Wishing you a good day.

Discussion

Any ideas for or interest in organising a Wiki Loves Libraries event? (I've emailed the folks at Minneapolis Central who organised the editathon earlier this year, and dropped a note to Mcghiever.) —innotata 22:13, 25 August 2012 (UTC)

The people at Minneapolis Central's Special Collections are definitely interested, and already had in mind another editathon on Minneapolis history. —innotata 01:08, 28 August 2012 (UTC)

And I'm keen on helping out too. -McGhiever (talk) 03:08, 28 August 2012 (UTC)

From HCL Special Collections guy email:

We were planning to do a Wikipedia edit-a-thon this fall. Are there other people we should alert?

Do you have a preference between November and October?

This time we thought we would pull personal and organizational collections that deem a Wikipedia entry but don’t have one yet. Participants can choose a collection and start working on an entry for the subject or if they have a specific facet of Minneapolis history they are interested in, they can choose that as well. -HCLschlubb (talk) 17:00, 28 August 2012 (UTC)

Edit-a-thon will be Saturday November 3rd, 10 am to 4:30 pm. Details to follow --HCLschlubb (talk) 21:53, 28 August 2012 (UTC)

Yes, it must be fine to set a date, I'd think. You were talking about other possible events, including a tour. The Wiki Loves Libraries page and talk page have some ideas. How about working in a planned intro to editing Wikipedia of some sort? (It didn't take long to explain the resources at the last event; some users should be able to do this.) The national event is about engagement with libraries and readers, we could spread word wider (tell people at other libraries?, any other ideas?), and use it to tell people about Wikipedia, and discuss researching articles and such aspects of working on Wikipedia. The section of the WLL page suggests pretty involved activities, we could go for modest versions; these discussions have happened anyway at most meetups with a very few people, but we could add a structured event or two for this occasion. —innotata 03:13, 29 August 2012 (UTC)

McGhiever's said he can do the intro, which is on the listing (below) now. —innotata 17:48, 1 October 2012 (UTC)

Here's the listing on the library events page[9] in case it's of any interest. —innotata 17:48, 1 October 2012 (UTC)

We should get more non-Wikipedians than last time, thanks to publicity by the people at Special Collections, including coverage of this and February's events were in this Star Tribune article. I also have told some people who may be interested. —innotata 15:53, 2 November 2012 (UTC)

Review of event

We had a good turnout, I suppose, of people new to Wikipedia, and just jumped into editing without much else (besides chatting). We worked on articles from a list based off that last time (HCLschlubb plans on posting it), and created Young-Quinlan Building, Clara Ueland, Forum Cafeteria (Minneapolis), Band Box Diner, and Northwestern National Life Building, among others. Someone from MNopedia suggested we have events at the History Center this winter—perhaps a Wikipedia Day meetup and an editathon later. —innotata 23:13, 3 November 2012 (UTC)

• I also created Hollywood Theater (Minneapolis) and Northwestern National Life Insurance Company Home Office. --Elkman ^(Elkspeak)
• I'm the person from MNopedia, and I fleshed out a few stubs (including Northrup King and Hans Mattson) by importing MNopedia articles. We're definitely interested in a Wikipedia Day meetup in January and an editathon sometime after that. I just posted about it on the Project Minnesota Talk page Mhsrc (talk) 21:32, 8 November 2012 (UTC)

4 2013

January 12, 2013 (Saturday): Wikipedia Day meetup at the Minnesota Historical Society. More to come, but please offer suggestions here if you have any--any particular collections you'd like to see? Would you like another SHPO tour? A tour of the new ThenNowWow exhibit? More at Wiki Project Minnesota Mhsrc (talk) 23:47, 20 November 2012 (UTC)